Caring for someone means showing support for each other and a commitment to be there in times of need – good, or bad. In the spirit of Valentine’s day, we’d like to share the story of Mike and Joann Branz, husband and wife entrepreneurs whose success thus far in franchising is due to the dynamic of their own marriage, as well as the compassion and support of their associates in the hardest of times.

Sweethearts for twenty years, the journey towards owning their own business was always an underlying aspiration (at least for Mike). The couple worked in the mortgage industry, but were unhappy with “the corporate world”. When Mike unexpectedly lost his job, the couple decided to take it as an opportunity to finally pursue the dream of franchising.

Though Mike was confident in the decision to franchise, it took Joann some convincing. Knowing his wife’s doubts, Mike drew up a presentation explaining the investment with the hopes of putting her nerves to rest. It wasn’t until attending Batteries Plus Bulbs’ “Discovery Day” in Wisconsin, however, that Joann was truly ready to hop on board with her husband’s vision.

Everyone at the company was so great, it was just an amazing experience how much support the franchise gives… it really helped ease me in to taking the jump.Joann Branz

After fears were squashed and doubts put aside, the enthusiastic couple opened their doors in Rancho Cucamonga in July of 2015. Not more than seven weeks after the store’s opening, the two were thrown a shocking curveball when Mike suffered from a heart attack. He survived, but would need time and rest to fully recover. With no family around and a limited support system to help her care for her husband, Joann was tasked with running the new business and caring for her husband through his recovery, at the same time.

Seeing the Branzs’ situation, Batteries Plus Bulbs sent a sales consultant to assist with the store in Mike’s absence. The consultant helped train associates and handle day-to-day operations, allowing Joann the flexibility to leave the store and bring Mike to doctor’s appointments as needed. The support system created by the consultant and their store associates during Mike and Joann’s time of need gave the couple more than just the help necessary to kick-off the business; it provided them peace of mind that they could face any challenge, together.

“I really had to release a little of the control, trust my employees and lean on them for the help they could give me at that point,” said Joann. After eight weeks and copious support from those working at the store, Mike was finally well enough to return.

Though less than a year later, Mike and Joann have already learned quite a bit about running a business together. The two attribute their commitment to communication to their strong marital and professional relationship. “We definitely have a very good balance of strengths and weaknesses; we complement each other. Where Mike is very strong, I may not be and vise-versa.” At the end of the day, Mike and Joann explain that it’s not just their relationship that makes the store successful, but rather the bond they share with their associates that have helped create the business they have today.

Company Info

Batteries Plus Bulbs, founded in 1988 and headquartered in Hartland, WI, is a leading omni-channel retailer of batteries, light bulbs and smartphone repair services for the direct-to-consumer and commercial channels.Through a nationwide network of stores, the Company offers a differentiated value proposition of unrivaled product selection, in-stock availability and customer service.

Batteries Plus Bulbs is owned by Freeman Spogli, a private equity firm based in Los Angeles and New York City. To learn more about one of Forbes® Top 10 Best Franchises in America for the past three years, visit Batteries Plus Bulbs Franchise